Chelsea manager Avram Grant has vowed to fight the controversial decision to make his side play two games in the space of just 72 hours during a key phase of the Barclays Premier League title run-in.

Chelsea have been told they must play Wigan on Monday, April 14th, and then Everton on Thursday, April 17th, to suit television schedules.

Grant, whose side are five points behind leaders Manchester United, claimed it gave United and Arsenal an unfair advantage.

He said: "I don't understand why we need to play on a Thursday. It's unfair.

"When we come to the end of the season it should be equal for all the teams. We need to fight in any way that we can to make it a fair decision."

Grant's side looked weary during their 1-0 defeat of Middlesbrough yesterday and were lucky to escape with the points after tiring towards the end watching their opponents hit the woodwork twice.